The Delta-7B Aethersprite-class light interceptor was an upgraded model of the Delta-7. The astromech droid position on this model was relocated to a spot just forward of the pilot's canopy. This thicker area of the ship was able to accommodate a full-size, removable astromech droid such as R2-D2. This model also featured pop-out S-foils that could extend for certain flight maneuvers. It is not known whether this feature was also included in the original Delta-7s. Although most Jedi upgraded to this model (and eventually the Eta-2), Kel DorJedi MasterPlo Koon reverted to flying a regular Delta-7 after previously flying a Delta-7B.

Anakin Skywalker's Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptor

The Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptor was developed during the Clone War as a replacement for the old Delta-7 and Delta-7B classes previously operated by the Jedi. These starfighters would see service up until Order 66 with the Jedi Order, and as late as 5 years after with Darth Vader in the era of the Galactic Empire. Grand MasterYoda operated his own customized version of the Eta-2 about 2 years into the Clone War.

A RZ-1 A-wing interceptor

The RZ-1 A-wing interceptor was first deployed about a year after Order 66 with a small, unorganized rebellion against Imperial Rule. These starfighters included hyperdrives and heavy weapons in their original stock configurations. Later, the more organized Alliance to Restore the Republic, New Republic, and Resistance would fly customized versions, stripped of their heavy weapons launchers for increased speed and maneuverability. They retained the hyperdrives, however, as this facilitated quick escapes from Imperial reinforcements. Approximately 2 years before the Battle of Yavin, the rebellion fielded the RZ-1T, an A-wing variant that had been converted to a 2-seat trainer.

The Galactic Empire's TIE/IN interceptor was developed as a continuation of the TIE Advanced projects, and was deployed as early as 2 years before the Battle of Yavin in crackdowns on rebel activity. Like other TIEs, it lacked a hyperdrive and shielding, but it was heavily armed with no fewer than six laser cannons. The TIE/D Defender was developed by Grand AdmiralThrawn as an upgraded version, with a third pair of solar panels and shielding.[1]

In real life, the term "interceptor" has a slightly different meaning from that assigned to it in the Star Wars universe. A typical interceptor, like the Convair F-106 Delta Dagger, would be designed to combat enemy bombers, not fighters. As such, an interceptor would typically be designed to sacrifice maneuverability and range/endurance in favor of speed, rate of climb, and firepower. Prior to the introduction of guided missiles, interceptors such as the Messerschmitt Me 262 frequently used heavy autocannons or even air-to-air rockets to penetrate the increasingly thick armor of enemy bombers, although accuracy tended to be poor.